💸 What's the best way to manage your debt?


Hey pal,

I know student loans are a frustrating reality for a lot of people.

As much as I wish I didn’t have to do an entire podcast episode about navigating the new SAVE Plan and gearing up to resume making monthly payments, I think the best way to manage your debt is to face it head-on and with eyes wide open.

That means getting educated on your options, coming up with a plan, and for some that means getting professional help. The whole thing is annoying, frustrating, and complicated, but it’s a chance to realize that even when help comes our way, we still have the responsibility for taking action. Here’s a little visual reminder.

This week’s episode of the Weird Finance podcast features Dan Rooker of Student Loan Planner. Dan is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Student Loan Professional. He walks us through the new SAVE plan, different repayment options, and how to think about those options as it relates to your finances.

I hope this conversation will help you feel more empowered and hopeful that even though everyone’s loan is not forgiven, this new plan is a small step toward progress.

How are you coping with repaying your student loans? Don’t be shy; hit reply.

Your friend,

P.S. Want to join our Monthly Money Party? Sign up to get an invitation here.



1. 💸 Everything You Need to Know About Making Your Student Loan Payments with Dan Rooker (Weird Finance) In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to Dan Rooker about everything you need to know about making your student loan payments. Dan is an expert in the field and will be sharing valuable insights on income-driven repayment plans, recertification requirements, the benefits of consulting a student loan professional and the double-consolidation loophole. This episode also features a segment called Ask Paco Anything.
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​2. 🤑 Working from home saves Americans $6,000 on food, commute, clothes (USA Today)​
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​3. 👩 My Sister Hid $5,000 From Me, Then Her Husband Died. Do I Ask for the Money? (New York Times)​
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​4. 🤓 A bookkeeping thing - The Key to Reaching Your Goals is to Stop Fixating on Them (Paco for Gusto) ​
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​5. 💻 Confessions of a Venture Capital-Backed Startup Founder (Intelligencer) During the boom times, I launched a start-up so I could become rich. Years later, I’m still looking for my exit.
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​6. 💭 Watch This Guy Work, and You’ll Finally Understand the TikTok Era (WIRED) The creator economy is fragmented and chaotic. Talent manager Ursus Magana can (almost) make sense of it, with a frenetic formula for gaming the algorithms.
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​7. 😨 Burnout Is the Echo of Self-Judgment (More to That) You will always feel the need to produce value for others, and it is this ceaseless tug on your conscience that makes your inner critic so loud. No external boss will be needed for you to get to work, as your inner critic will always remind you that there’s more to be done.
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​8. 💰 Born poor, stay poor: what my $120,000 student debt says about class in the US (The Guardian) I was the first in my family to go to college and I teach at an Ivy League school. I’m still broke – and I probably always will be. “What capitalists often forget is that it is the workers who purchase the products. The students who once took out those loans are the customers they now court. The citizens who owe loans are the same citizens America relies upon to reproduce, and secure a future. As more people become cash-strapped, less commerce will take place. Because less commerce will take place, people will lose their jobs. The instability will further prolong family planning.”


Thanks to Copilot for sponsoring this issue of the Nerdletter!

Twelve years ago, when I first tried budgeting apps, it felt like the people who made them actively wanted me to hate budgeting. The interfaces were clunky and frustrating and instead of helping me with my spending, I resented having to budget even more.

When I finally found Copilot, I was so grateful that a budgeting app had the user in mind. The features are robust and the interface makes it so damn easy to track my expenses. The team is also adding helpful new features. The experience is actually enjoyable. Copilot is a beautiful home for your finances.

Check it out and see for yourself! Use code PACO2 for a FREE two-month trial.

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​

​@thehellyeahgroup​


If you have a question you’d like me to answer on the Weird Finance podcast, you can leave me a voicemail at 1-833-ASK-PACO. You can also email me your question by replying to this email or emailing us at weirdfinancepod@gmail.com.

The Nerdletter is put together by my Editorial Assistant, Cole Yaverbaum, of Ladies Talking About Money.

Please consider several ways you can contribute to this important mission – an inclusive conversation about money, finances, and capitalism for Creatives.

🌟 Leave a review for the Weird Finance Podcast​

👯‍♀️ Share this issue with friends​
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We can't do this work without you.

Thanks for being part of the crew and reading this far. Peace.

The Nerdletter by Paco de Leon

Want money advice that you can actually understand? So much money advice ignores who we are, our background, our values, and our emotions. I’ll show you how to be in better control of your money every week, even if you’re just starting out.

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